Meet the Heart of Mararison

Mararison Island may be small in size, but it’s bursting with life—and it’s the warm, tight-knit community that truly gives the island its charm.

🏠 Population & Village Life

Mararison is home to a modest population of around 700 residents, most of whom belong to local fishing families. For generations, they’ve lived off the sea and the land—catching fish by sunrise and farming modest crops during the day. As tourism slowly flourishes, many locals have become homestay hosts, boatmen, guides, and cooks, welcoming visitors with open arms and genuine smiles.

🗣️ Language & Dialect

The people of Mararison speak Kinaray-a, a Visayan language native to Antique province and parts of Panay Island. Don’t worry though—most locals also speak Hiligaynon (also called Ilonggo), and many, especially the younger generation and tour guides, can understand and speak Filipino and basic English.

Here are a few phrases to sprinkle into your visit:

• "Maayong aga!" – Good morning!

• "Salamat gid!" – Thank you very much!

• "Gani?" – Really?/Is that so? (A friendly conversational filler)

💛 Insider Tip: Try chatting with the locals—you’ll discover stories, legends, and maybe even get invited to a fresh-caught lunch!